Common Questions

Do you have questions surrounding planning a funeral that is both meaningful and heartfelt? Working with a dedicated memorial service advisor at Carter-Trent Funeral Home​ will help you along the way to answer any questions you may have.

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony to help family, friends, and community members honor their loved one and pay their respects. Funerals are dedicated to letting friends and family members of the deceased remember the life of their loved one while beginning on the road to healing.

What is the best type of service for my beliefs?

This is a question that only you can answer. Carter-Trent Funeral Home offers a variety of memorial, tribute, and funeral services. The type of service is decided either by the deceased in a pre-planned guide or by the family at the time of passing.

The type of service you choose is dependent on a variety of factors which may include:

Whether you want a service held at a place of worship or a funeral home

Whether you want your service to follow the rituals of a religious denomination or not

Whether you would like to have a large, open service, or a small, private ceremony open to only selected relatives and loved ones

If you would like a memorial or tribute service without the presence of the body

Can my service be personalized?

Of course. At Carter-Trent Funeral Home, we highly recommend personalizing your memorial service to celebrate your life in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Our funeral directors and assistants are always ready to discuss your options with you, tailoring your service to your wishes.

Why are obituaries necessary?

An obituary notifies the community when a death has occurred, and when and where a service will be held. Traditionally, obituaries were placed in the local newspaper, but are increasingly posted online instead.

What is a funeral director, and what do they do?

Funeral directors are administrators and caregivers. From an administrative standpoint, they handle arrangements such as transportation of the body, the completion of paperwork, and initiating action surrounding the family's choice of funeral service and final disposition of a body.

From a caregiving standpoint, they are compassionate listeners, supporters, and advisors during a difficult time. Funeral directors are familiar with helping the bereaved cope with death and loss, and can help them find the appropriate sources of comfort and assistance.

What should I do if a death occurs on the weekend, in the middle of the night, or while away from home?

Our professional and compassionate staff members are available to help 24/7. By requesting immediate assistance, one of our helpful staff members will arrive within the hour. It’s understandable for family members to want to spend a short period with the deceased, so we will only come when the time is right for you.

Our funeral director can help you wherever a death occurs, worldwide. Upon the passing of a loved one, immediately contact the funeral director at your home of choice. They will help assemble arrangements and get your loved one back home as soon as possible.

What is embalming, and what is its purpose?

Embalming works to sanitize the body, slowing down the decomposition process while enhancing the appearance of a body which has been transformed during an illness or traumatic death.

Embalming helps family members take more time to arrange the service that meets the wishes of their loved one, allowing for viewing as well.

Embalming is not mandatory by law, but it is necessary for special situations.

Upon choosing a cremation, can a funeral still be held?

Of course. Upon choosing a cremation for your loved one, you’re simply selecting an alternative to a traditional burial. Cremation often follows a funeral service, meaning that you can have a visitation service before cremation as well.

We’re here to help you every step of the way. For answers to your immediate questions, call (423) 390-8762​.